Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for innumerable happy hours, barbecues, and various other events that involve drinking beer. Brasserie Beck was scheduled to open it’s outdoor patio tonight, but it seems the rain may spoil the fun. They should be open tomorrow night if tonight is rained out. The setup is a brand new 4-draught system imported from Belgium, and as such, there will undoubtedly be some kinks that still need working out. However, if you want to drink some great Belgian beers in the gorgeous spring weather, Brasserie Beck is a very good option. While there, you can go inside and sample any of the other excellent beers that they’re pouring at the moment (try the Cantillon Cuvée des Champions if it’s still available, the $14 price is worth it).

Other good outdoor beer options include the roof deck at The Reef in Adams Morgan, and the outdoor seating at Belga Cafe in Capitol Hill. And there’s always the back patio of The Big Hunt, which is pouring Troeg’s Pils and Mad River Extra Pale. The Troeg may be the most simple, satisfying thing I’ve had to drink in a while – hoppier than most normal pils and seriously delicious. Area brewpubs are bringing out some spring seasonals: Gordon Biersch‘s Maibock was tapped a couple weeks ago, but supplies at the downtown location are running low – stop by soon if you haven’t already. Capitol City downtown is getting in on the action with a Hefeweizen and an Altbier on tap.

Photo by staceyviera